Logistics warehouses are in hot demand. And Hampshire based civil and structural consulting engineers WFBA are pleased.
As always, WFBA are pleased to see new tenants Delamode International Logistics, trading as Import Services move into Unit E208. Uniquely, the new 19,500 sqm logistics facility they were instrumental in designing at Dock Gate 20 at Southampton port.
In close collaboration with the port owners ABP, the new £23m distribution centre was designed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ sustainability standards, with architects Stride Treglown and construction partner Midas Group.
The build was in design by WFBA 3 years ago
The build was in design by WFBA 3 years ago and construction started in January 2020. WFBA created the first BIM drawings to fulfil this project working to the very exact brief.
The new hub is adjacent to an existing facility for the logistics company within 200 metres of the deep-sea container berths operated by DP World.
Brian Morton, Technical Director who headed the team for WFBA: “Occupiers these days seek maximum efficiency from their warehouse property. We know that logistics warehouses are in hot demand.
Always in logistics buildings the concrete slab and flooring are critical to the capacity and internal operations. However, it is often believed that the concrete floor is one of the most straight forward elements of the project. Undoubtedly, the overall attention paid to its design and detail through construction is not proportionate to its ultimate importance.”
WFBA oversaw the internal racking design of E208. Aware of both logistics design and client demand, WFBA provided the technical design to achieve an impressive eaves height in the unit. Therefore, Import Services has 33,000 additional pallet spaces.
As part of the site preparations, WFBA participated in detailed site investigations. Always aware of account ground conditions, the land E208 sits on is reclaimed riverbed. Without a doubt Southampton is known to have been heavily bombed in WW2. So, clearly WFBA had to take great care was taken to establish whether there was any historic debris or unexploded bombs to dispose of. Thankfully none were found.
E208 is a milestone logistics facility
In conclusion, WFBA are proud and pleased with the outcome of this project. Coupled with the construction of this new space is one of the largest warehouse developments in the county and gives Southampton, the port together with the UK an international competitive edge.
Importantly, E208 is 19,500 sq. m of bonded warehousing and Import Services are employing VNA racking combined with the latest tech for put-away and pallet retrieval cycles.
Currently a £2.5m roof mounted solar panel installation is being fitted. Amazingly, this will be the largest in the UK. Importantly, the panels also more than double the existing solar power generation of the port.
